Going for a snip, the home covered in so much ivy estate agents have been forced to drop the asking price by £230,000

On the upside, it’s a detached home, with three bedrooms, and on sale at a bargain price.

The downside is that you really have to like ivy...

This house in Chelmsford, Essex, is smothered in the stuff, so much so that those who have been inside say you can’t see out of the windows. According to a source at the estate agency, there is even a tree growing in the dining room.

Its condition means the 1920s property is on the market with a guide price of £150,000 – less than half that of neighbouring homes – but agents Bairstow Eaves say it has attracted much interest.

Homeowner Jonathan Norman, 61, described as ‘very private’ and a ‘nice guy’, did not wish to comment, but one neighbour said the ivy had grown unchecked for 20 years.

Greenhouse: This Chelmsford property is on the market for £120,000 - rather less than the normal going rate of £350,000 - as it's almost entirely covered in ivy

Property developer Mick Flaherty, who
saw it at a viewing, said: 'I've never seen anything like it.

'There were no carpets on the floor, there were papers everywhere, the lights didn't work and it was dark inside because you couldn't see out of the windows.

'The water didn't work and there was no kitchen. The trees from outside have started growing into the house. I don't know if there were any period details because you couldn't really see anything.'

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Mr Flaherty said he estimated the house - which he had not noticed before due to the amount of ivy on its exterior - would require around £50,000 worth of renovation

Mr Norman's neighbour said he had never cut back the ivy - which has now covered the front of two-storey house completely.

He said: 'He really is a nice guy. But it's just that blooming ivy. It's been there for 20 years and never been cut. I've complained to the council many times over the years.

'They came out on one occasion but claimed it was quite quaint.'

Hidden in plain sight: The house is easy to miss thanks to its unusual exterior

Another neighbour added: 'Whenever anyone walks past they stop and do a double take. it really is quite bizarre.'

Despite its spooky appearance more than 20 potential buyers took a tour of the house during an open day.

A spokeswoman for Bairstow Eves estate agents in Chelmsford said they are not marketing the property on the internet or in their shop window because the owner does not want the sale made public.

She added: 'He's got enough interest in it already. I cannot comment on the house or the price. I do not want to discuss it any further.'

Potential buyers have been asked to make bids for the house over £120,000 and will have to pay in cash.

Mr Flaherty added: 'I understand they have had an offer of £172,000 already. It will probably be a property developer who snaps it up. It will take a few months' work but it will be worth it for the profit.'

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Chelmsford home covered in so much ivy estate agents forced to drop price by £230k